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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Ligand-Mediated Nucleation and Growth of Palladium Metal Nanoparticles
Published on: June 25, 2018
Unexpected refacetting of palladium nanoparticles under atmospheric N2 conditions
Abstract:
We demonstrate an unexpected refacetting process of Pd nanoparticles, induced by N2 under atmospheric pressure at elevated temperatures, by in situ TEM observations. The morphology changes, with a notable increase in the fraction of Pd{110} facets, were visualized by atomic-scale TEM images and further explained by theoretical calculations. Firm evidence and rational understanding revealed that the "inert" gas N2 has the ability to modify the structure of metal nanoparticles. This surprising effect should be considered seriously in vast chemical applications that use N2 as a carrier gas or protective atmosphere.
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